How Canadian Snowbird Couples Keep the Spark Alive While Travelling

Travelling as a couple can be magical... or a real test of your relationship! Whether it's a new romance fuelled by a shared passion for adventure or a duo bonded by decades of living together, one thing is certain: sharing a long stay abroad puts your relationship to the test.

We spoke with several Canadian snowbird couples who spend every winter away from the snow or who travel together for several weeks each year. They each share their best tips for travelling together without killing each other (and even coming back more in love than before!).

1. Give Each Other Space and Time (Gilles and Louise From VRN’GO, 64)

For Gilles and Louise, creators of the YouTube channel VRN’GO and proud ambassadors for soNomad, who spend their winters in Melaque, Mexico, in their RV, the secret can be summed up in two words: have your own space. 

Even when you love each other and share the same passion, constant proximity can quickly become stifling, especially in a confined space like an RV. Knowing how to give each other breathing room can prevent a lot of friction.

Louise adds one more essential for travelling as a couple: don’t hold grudges. Little tensions are bound to pop up, but you can’t let them drag on. When you’re travelling, it’s better to deal with arguments right away and move on… because there are way too many sunsets to admire to waste time sulking.

2. Be Attentive (Lucie G., 66)

Being attentive to your own needs and those of others may seem easier said than done. But, according to Lucie, listening becomes essential when travelling. Taking the time to notice if the other person needs rest, if they prefer a quiet meal rather than a lively night out, or simply asking their opinion before booking an excursion makes all the difference.

A trip of several weeks under the Thai sun taught her that a vacation is not just a series of activities: it is also an opportunity to get to know each other better and readjust to everyday life.

3. Learning to Let Go (Linda G. 61)

When you retire, everything changes. Suddenly, you find yourselves together with your partner 24 hours a day, and that takes some real adjustment. Travelling as a couple takes on a whole new dimension.

During her winters spent in Fuengirola, Spain, Linda found the solution: letting go. There's no point in trying to control every detail: schedules, meals, or itineraries. By accepting that not everything will go as planned, you discover the pleasure of living in the moment with your partner. Rather than seeing the unexpected as obstacles, you learn to embrace them and sometimes even laugh at them.

4. Enjoy the Moment (Tony P., 65)

For Tony, every trip to Italy is a reminder that sometimes you just need to slow down. Whether you're travelling as a couple or with your family, you need to take the time to sit on a terrace, watch the world go by, gaze at a landscape you can't find at home, and tell yourself that this is what real life is all about.

He doesn’t waste time with pointless details or small fights. For him, travelling as a couple is mainly about learning not to overthink things, enjoying each moment, and letting the scenery work its magic. After all, one shared meal, one sunset side by side, and everything else suddenly feels pretty trivial.

5. Finding the Right Balance (Mary G., 54)

Mary believes that travelling as a couple is, above all, a question of balance. There's no need to follow a plan to the letter: she prefers to alternate. One day, she lets herself be guided by her partner's desires; the next day, it's the other way around.

This approach allows them to enjoy the trip without pressure. No one feels left out, and everyone gets their moment. Ultimately, it's not a race to do everything together, but rather a wonderful way to experience everything together, with a healthy dose of flexibility and lots of fun.

6. Think of Yourselves as a Team (Réal M., 66)

In Harlingen, Texas, where Réal and his wife spend their winters, they are a well-oiled duo. For him, the best part of travelling together is knowing she’s there as his co-pilot, to share decisions, discoveries, and even the unexpected.

With this mindset, every trip becomes a shared adventure: they support each other when challenges arise, cheer each other on when stepping outside their comfort zone, and celebrate every little victory together. Real believes it’s this “we’re in it together” mindset that makes their winters down south both more fun and more meaningful.

7. Focus On Communication (Alain B., 66)

Although Alain considers himself lucky to have found the best travel partner, he recognizes that if a couple wants to stay together for the long haul, they need to talk often. Communication is what helps avoid many conflicts.

When travelling, especially in a country like Japan where the language barrier can quickly complicate things, it becomes even more important to talk openly with each other: say when you need a break, share your expectations, or simply decide together where to eat in the evening. It may seem trivial, but it's what prevents many irritants and keeps everyone in a good mood, even when the menus are incomprehensible.

Far From Winter, Close to Each Other

With a little space, lots of communication, and a healthy dose of letting go, travelling as a couple can even become the best chapter in your story together.

To set off with peace of mind, don't forget one thing: good travel insurance makes all the difference. Get a quick quote with soNomad and focus on what matters most: enjoying your adventure together to the fullest.